New to Newport News, VA, considering a C-Dory

B

BeRadtheFish

New member
Hello C-Brats,

The bottom line up front is that we'd like to put eyes on a 16 and 22 Cruiser somewhere reasonably close to the Newport News area, if anyone is willing to share with us.

I have been looking at powered boats at my own pace for several years now. I used to sail, but when the wind was good, the time was bad and vice versa. I sold a Com-Pac Eclipse last summer for that very reason. What a great boat it was! But I need to increase the opportunities to get on the water if it's going to happen at all!

I'll share a few preferences, comments and things I've established thus far in this decision in no real order:

-I appreciate miles to gallon, not gallons to mile, from both an environmental and cost aspect.

-Exploration and cruising is the main reason for boat ownership for me/us, I'm not a fisherman (at least not at the moment), not particularly interested in cruising the open ocean.

-We just moved to Ft. Eustis, there's so much water surrounding us and we want to see it! My family consists of my wife, very young daughter and another girl on the way. There's a facility on-post that rents very spartan center consoles, not going to cut it for family comfort.

-A weather protected cabin that can house a port-a-john is something the family would appreciate.

-Re-sale is always important, though I would most likely never purchase a new boat. I can't abide the initial depreciation.

-Will retire to Ohio in a few years, I perceive that I could use a 22 Cruiser on Erie also.

-Outboard please.

Some potential drawbacks:

-like to go fast sometimes, but fast = bad fuel economy on a boat that can carry my family so I can do without.

-my wife and I can go without water skiing and wake boarding, but if the little one shows interest in a few years, these wouldn't be the best boats for it.

So after hundreds of Google searches and review reading etc. I finally stumbled upon the term "pocket/trailerable cruisers" which has led me here to C-Brats.

Thanks for reading and any input you may provide. Again, if you're in this area, would love to see one in person!

Fish
 
Welcome aboard. Many of the members are ex sailors. Look at the C Brat map--there are a number of C Dory's near you. Also there is a gathering/ Cruise shortly in the N. Carolina area--and a great place to meet C Brats.

The C Dory 22 will do all you want. It will easily pull tubers--and will also pull water skiers if you keep the boat fairly light.

The boats remain economical at speeds from 15 to 22 knots…or a little more. If you want to run at less than 5 knots, then they become super efficient..but that is not 8 to 10 knots--although the boats run well at that speed.
 
Fish,
I live just a few miles from you and would be happy to show you and even take you for a ride in a C-Dory 22. Boating is my life and I like to sail in my sailboats, as much as I do like to cruise or fish.
Don't worry about cold weather, as I'll turn the heat on in OSPREY when you get here to keep you warm.
Steve
757-477-1453
 
Well that was fast, thanks thataway and thanks Steve.

I did a Google site search of c-brats for former sailors who own a C-Dory and read a lot of helpful posts.

Steve, I'm out of town until this weekend at least, but in the coming weeks, I'd certainly like to contact you so my family and I can at least look at your 22. It's kind of you to have offered and I appreciate it.

I'll also look for info on the NC gathering.

Fish
 
Bill K":2w5bhd72 said:
If you are still wanting a ride next summer and are in NW Ohio I have a 1989 22' Cruiser in Toledo.

Bill Kelleher
Click to expand...

Thanks to you as well Bill, I'm from Mentor! Sometimes I come back to that area to visit family etc.
 
Fish,
One thing that you will note with this group is that you will get feedback, no matter what the subject. Of course we all interested in seeing more C-Dorys on the water and hope that if you choose one, that you will also consider cruising with the Brats. The really cool part is this group does not have a membership fee, the trips are ad-hock and you as well as your family will always feel welcome.
I look forward to your call and visit.
Steve
 
FWIW there is a CD 22 cruiser for sale on Kent Island -- east side of Bay Bridge on north side of Hwy 50. Don't recall price but looked like a good buffing would make a big difference in appearance.

Straight shot up US 13 to Salisbury MD and on to US50.

Bill Uffelman
Ocean View DE
 
Spotted it on a drive by a month or so ago. Looked this evening as I returned from BWI and it is still on the lot. If I get a chance I will stop next trip west bound and get you a phone number.

Bill Uffelman
Working on retirement in Ocean View DE
 
Fish;
If you get down to the Va. Beach area after the "ice is off the creek" I'd be happy to take you out on a CD25; else, we can kick the rails with it on a work rack at the marina(Marina Shores) at most anytime their open.

It is larger than the CD22 but it does have the enclosed head and shower, plus many other subtle items moms like.

Art
 
You got it if you want it..... First crack.

Come to think about it,, there is the 61st Annual Mid-Atlantic Sports and Boat Show coming to the Va. Beach Pavilion next week end, 7-9 Feb..
Full fair is $8 for adults, children under 12 free.
Times:
Fri 1200-2100
Sat 1000-2000
Sun 1000-1700

Do you feel like going? I have cut out the $2 off coupon from the paper.

Art
 
Art,
I do plan on attending the boat show. I'll call you to see when you plan on going.
PS, sadly ,there will be no C-Dory's or similar boats and no sailboats...
Steve
 
Bill & Fish,

I was on Kent Island yesterday and did not notice the CD22 along Rt50. I am going to be on Kent Island this Wednesday & Thursday, Bill if you can give me additional directions I will try and get phone number, etc.

Dick
 
Every military installation I've ever lived on has had an on-post area for people to store their boats. Not so on Ft. Eustis I found out yesterday. Another consideration for me to weigh.

Art - Thanks for the offer, very kind. A 25' might be a bit much boat for us, but with extra feet comes extra amenities of course. Are you selling? Thanks for the head's up on the boat show, if we don't have any other plans maybe we'll attend. You can also print out the $2 off from their website as well:

http://vaboatshow.com/wp-content/upload ... Coupon.jpg

Bill/Dick - Thanks again for reconnoitering for that Rt. 50 22.
 
Bill/Dick -
Every spring and fall I ask the question of will I sell this year.

I am weighing that very question again with health issues gaining along with my age (72). I'm now sporting a cane, but still able to get around -just can't stand or walk for extended times and stairs are now my exercise workout.

Art
 
Let me put a word in for the 16. If you plan to sleep on the boat then the 22 is the way to go. If you want an easy to trailer boat that gets good gas mileage then the 16 is a good choice. I love my Honda outboard 40 though I sometimes wish I had gotten the 50. Seems to me, people move up and down in C-Dory sizes depending on their stages in life and what they are looking for at the time they make their purchase.
 
I second Stan's comments. You can have lot of fun on the water in a 16 footer. It is also great for trailering, launching, and storing. My wife and I are both in our late 70's. We have three artificial joints between us, and I, like Art, lean heaviy on a cane. With all that, we "ain't done yet" and find the 16 footer is a blessing for which we give thanks.... Besides that, they are affodable!
 
Fish,
Here's another "welcome aboard," particularly to the growing Tidewater/Chesapeake Bay faction. Check out the James R. and NC Loop and Gathering C-Brats photo albums for some of our events

You have scanned the "C-Dorys for sale," list, no doubt? None in VA/NC but a few E. Coast.

Once you get your boat, check out the marina on Langley, if you haven't already. Pretty nice, and soon to be home to Skimmer

Hope you're afloat in time for the NC Loop cruise in May. Look forward to meeting you then or sometime.
 
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